Gum Disease could be linked to Anaemia

A research study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that there might be a connection suggesting patients who have severe gum disease (ie. chronic Periodontitis) may lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, causing the blood disorder anaemia. The trail from one to the next found that over one third of those people suffering from extensive gum disease had below the normal level of red blood cells. The study tracked these patients for a 6 month period of oral health treatment, and results actually showed all patients had an increase in their red blood cell count. Results show women had a higher risk of anaemia than men, with 4 in 10 women, and a little less than 3 in 10 men. "The research suggests that the defense chemicals produced by the body as a result of inflammation of the gum can have the negative effect of lowering haemoglobin levels and other factors important to a healthy blood system," said Dr. Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation. There have been several studies prior to this that have linked the connection, but this most recent study confirms chronic Periodontitis can lead to Anaemia. View the extended article here, http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2010.100336